In 2015, all manufacturers of water heaters that are sold in the US must conform their equipment to new energy efficiency standards. This applies to all residential, gas, propane, and electric water heaters. Why should you care? Because water heaters as we know them won’t look the same. Here’s the who, what, how much it’s going to affect you, and what you can do right now.
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Who made the new rulings?
The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) was approved by Congress and is administered by the US Department of Energy (DOE). This is the same organization that oversees the EnergyStar program. That translates to: this is serious business and a real change for all water heaters sold in the US.
What are the new water heater regulations?
Water heaters produced after April 16, 2015 must conform to new energy efficiency standards. These translate to a mandatory increase of 3% – 30% greater efficiency vs. current models. The amount varies by tank size based on formulas. The larger the tank, the more the efficiency is required. The gains in efficiency are small, but given that the vast majority of homes in America have a water heater; small can add up to big savings for the environment.

How does this affect me?
If you have a tankless water heater with an efficiency rating above .82, (all that we sell are at this level), good news, your water heater already complies. However if you are in one of the hundreds of thousands of Texas homes, condos and apartments with a standard tank water heater – please read on!
In order to gain the efficiency, manufacturers will be adding additional insulation to water heater tanks. This will impact you as follows:
1. Fitting it in your house. Unlike the new light bulbs that fit in the same sockets as incandescent ones, the new tanks are not going to be the same size. While the actual dimensions of new models are not available until January, we know that tanks will be taller and wider. We guess about 2 inches wider. If you have a tight closet or a small door, you may have to relocate your water heater, or take off door jambs to bring it in. And sorry, we (or any installer) would have to charge for that if we did it. There will also be new and larger venting required for some gas water heaters.

2. Manufacturer price increase. All of the manufacturers will have to re-tool production lines, and this is expensive. Combine that with increased materials cost from adding more insulation to tanks and we anticipate retail price increases in the range of $100.

3. Custom install solutions needed. To fit some homes and apartments may require creative planning on the part of your installer. For example: If a 50 gallon tank won’t fit, a 40 gallon tank with an added mixing valve may produce the hot water you need. Fortunately our team has the experience to do that.

4. Some larger sized tanks may be discontinued. If you have a large size electric tank (66 or 80 gallon) or 75 gallon gas water heater, some of these are being discontinued. While new products may come along to replace them, the installer community has not yet seen them.

What can I do right now?
Standard water heater tanks last around 8-10 years. If you are thinking it’s time to replace or if you have an older tank located in a tight closet (hello condo & apartment dwellers!), we recommend doing it sooner than later.
Three choices for replacement
1. Upgrade to tank water heaters that already qualify at the new energy efficiency levels, (gas or propane).
2. Replace with your same tank style and size while still available.
3. Consider a move to a tankless water heater.

For gas water heaters, models are available today that meet and actually exceed the new standards. Tankless water heaters are an available option as they run on gas or propane and meet the new energy standards. We also carry super-efficient standard tanks, for example, Rheem Power Damper water heaters. They are Energystar rated and exceed the new efficiency standards, saving you even more on your water heating costs. This type of water heater costs a bit more than today’s standard gas water heater, but we expect it to be closer in price to the new gas water heaters. So you can start saving energy now, at around the price you might pay nex.

Current hot water heater tank styles can still be installed after April 16, 2015 but inventory will eventually run out. Installers and suppliers are stocking the last of the available current style tanks as we know many people will want them

The water heater is a vital part of your home’s plumbing system. Water heaters provide the household with much needed hot water for showers, cleaning dishes, and washing clothing and linens. You need to choose a water heating system that not only provides you with enough hot water, but that will also be cost effective and energy efficient.

When considering a new water heater, the type of fuel it consumes may play a factor in the choice you make. Fuel options for water heaters include electric, fuel oil, geothermal energy, natural gas, propane, and solar energy. There are 5 basic water heater types to choose from.

Storage Water Heater

This water heater stores a ready supply of hot water in a tank, and are the most economical for installation and upkeep. However, this type of water heater may take up more energy in order to keep the water in the tank at a set temperature. A good way to reduce heat loss is using an insulated tank. The life expectancy of a storage water heater is about 15 years. (more…)

Tankless water heaters have been called the modern way to have hot water, and saves energy while also cutting your utility bill. These water heaters have a relatively simple design that allows you to have hot water without storing huge amounts of water in a tank. A standard water heater will store and heat 40 gallons of hot water. In the simplest terms possible, feed water runs through tubing that gets heated by either electrical elements or gas burners. It comes in cold and goes out hot, so that as soon as you turn on a hot water faucet, you get instant hot water.

So far so good, right? Cold water in, hot water out, no bulky storage tank and very energy efficient. But before we go into the whys and wherefores of tankless water heaters, how about a bit of history first. (more…)

The water heater is one of those workhorse appliances that people tend to install and forget about; however, they require maintenance just like any other appliance. If you want to lengthen the lifespan of your water heater and cut down on the cost of repairs, you will need to perform some routine water heater maintenance tasks, which will depend on the type of water heater in your home. Two popular water heater types are electric tankless water heaters and storage water heaters.(more…)

There is nothing worse than not having enough hot water to meet your family’s needs, especially when you are constantly running out of it while in the shower. When the time comes for a new water heater installation, it pays to know what different types are available. You will want to choose the one that will be best for your home and your family’s lifestyle.

If your current water heater is still working properly, you may want to consider upgrading even if it does not yet need replaced. A newer version of your existing type of heater can provide you with more hot water and save you money on your utility bills. However, changing to a different type of water heater altogether may save you even more every month.

High-Efficiency Storage Water Heaters

Storage water heaters can be fueled by electricity, natural gas, fuel oil, or propane. Depending upon the size of the tank, it may hold between 20 to 80 gallons of water. The water is heated continually while sitting in the tank even when you are not using hot water. The upfront cost for this type of water heater installation is usually less than other varieties. You will usually see at least a 7 percent decrease in your energy costs.(more…)

By installing one or more tankless water heaters in your home, you will be able to enjoy an unlimited amount of hot water while reducing your energy use. Tankless units require much less space when compared to standard water heater models, which makes them an excellent choice when floor space or indoor space in general are limited. Although the upfront costs of tankless water heaters tend to be higher than conventional models, your monthly savings will begin immediately and will return your initial investment over time. (more…)

While water heaters do seem to have more problems during the colder months, the arrival of summer can bring some other unique problems. This is especially true if your water heater is located in your attic or your garage where there is no air conditioning.

In many parts of the country, water heaters are commonly placed in the attic. This is manageable until you suspect your water heater has a leak, and accessing it to complete water heater repair is challenging to you and a professional plumber.

Why the Attic?

Homes built on pad foundations (no basement or crawl space) often have attic water heaters. While cheap to install, their attic location makes water heater repair very difficult. Garages are not good locations for gas-fired water heaters specifically, because of the proximity of flammable liquids.

Replacing the Old with the New

Converting your old water heater to a tankless system involves making some changes to your home. The main advantages of installing a tankless water heater come in energy savings, as tankless systems only heat the water you need, when you need it. This will save you money in the long run. Tankless systems are also sealed combustion units, which greatly reduces the risk of carbon monoxide entering your home. (more…)

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